Bare Butts? Is this normal?

[K9Lover]

One of my girls has a bare butt! All of the feathers are gone in just that area.... what is going on?

 

[PepsNick]

As long as no one is acting weird, that is probably a small molt. Supply extra protein for strong, healthy feathers to grow back in the following weeks. Such as BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds), limited meats (un-salted or buttered), more table scraps, etc. You could also change the flock to a new feed with a higher protein intake.

 

[K9Lover]

Thanks! But what do you mean by limited meats (Unsalted or buttered) ? I give LOT's of table scraps and she does not seem to be too bothered by it or acting strange.

 

[tammye]

you might have a feather plucker in the group, observe them for a while

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

How old is the chicken?

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
Sounds like their getting cannablistic. I've been fighting this problem as well. I've tried everything to stop this behaviour . Do you free range your chickens?

 

[K9Lover]

I sat and watched them and only one other pecked at her, but it was not significant. I have 6 girls that are all 8 months old. and they are not free range. They have a very large area though and a very nice coop. It's off because the bare area is so perfect in shape. Just under her tail feathers. It's not bleeding or scabbed.

 

[7L Farm]

If I ever figure out how to stop feather pecking I'm gonna write a book.

 

[gritsar]

In the absence of mites (have you checked for those?), it would be my (educated) guess that what you are seeing is perfectly normal if the pullet is of the age to have laid at least a few eggs.
Not feather picking, not cannibalism, just normal wear and tear from laying eggs. Molting usually starts on the head and works it's way back.
Can you post pics of the girls behind?